The two journalists were pleasantly surprised by our findings, and were pleased to report that age can actually be of significant benefit to those looking to start a company. In fact, entrepreneurs age 34- 40 have the greatest chance of success, and it doesn’t appear to go downhill from there. Work and life experience contribute to a more disciplined and knowledgeable entrepreneur - “Let’s hear it for the world’s gray-haired entrepreneurs!” touts Williams.

Another surprising finding reveals that IQ is virtually irrelevant to predicting long term success; the real point of focus is fluid intelligence. One’s ability to apply known rules to new problems and adapt rapidly to new situations will get you far. That plus high openness, moderate agreeableness, and a passion to change the world will put you on the fast track to success (that is, of course, if you’ve got a great business idea to go along with your entrepreneurial traits).

In addition to IQ being regarded as irrelevant, conscientiousness does not have a strong correlation to success either. There are, of course, always exceptions to every rule. Whether you’re just out of college or have founded multiple companies, the program is open to existing and prospective technology founders of all kinds. To see if you have entrepreneurial DNA, apply today www.fi.co/join.

The Founder Institute is the world's largest entrepreneur training and startup launch program, helping aspiring founders across the globe build enduring technology companies. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 50 countries, the Founder Institute has helped launch over 1,550 companies in 6 years. The company's mission is to "Globalize Silicon Valley" and build sustainable startup ecosystems that will create one million new jobs worldwide.